Record-breaking $9.1 million raised during 42nd annual IWK Telethon

The 42nd annual IWK Telethon for Children was a record breaker – raising over $9.1 million.

It was another record-breaking year for the 42nd annual IWK Telethon for Children on CTV.

At the end of the broadcast Sunday, the telethon raised more than $9.1 million – up from last year’s record-setting $8.3 million.

“The results were incredible. I mean, we live in a great part of the world. We really do. And we’re just so grateful, you know? I’m kind of still stunned,” said Jennifer Gillivan, CEO and president of the IWK Foundation.

The telethon supports the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, which is the largest hospital for women and children in the Maritimes, through the IWK Foundation.

The telethon is the IWK’s largest annual fundraiser. Donations support the hospital’s most urgent needs, including up-to-date equipment, advanced technology, research, and improved facilities.

The eight-hour broadcast was hosted by CTV Atlantic’s Todd Battis, Maria Panopalis and Steve Murphy and featured several other familiar faces.

“Absolutely fantastic day! Maritimers came through once again. They always seem to,” said Trent McGrath, CTV Atlantic’s general manager.

“We have veteran staff here today, we have new staff here today, alumni. It’s the one day of the year I think everyone comes together to celebrate for the IWK.”

The multi-day fundraising event kicked off Friday morning with the IWK Radiothon, which aired across five iHeartRadio stations in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

The events continued Saturday with the Telethon Tribute show hosted by actor Jonathan Torrens and CTV’s Katie Kelly. The two-hour musical special featured a number of local performers, including Neon Dreams, Ian Janes, Reeny, Joce Reyome and Wolf Castle.

The IWK Telethon ended Sunday at 6 p.m. with a grand total of $9,110,219.34 raised.

“The excitement in the room and all the people involved with making this happen and seeing it in person was heartwarming,” said Lori Ferrish, mother of Ellis Ferrish, the IWK’s 2026 Children’s Miracle Network champion.

“Knowing that all these people are getting together for one common theme, which is being there for our children and our future generations,” said Ferrish.

She, along with others, said every year it keeps getting better.

“You can’t discount Maritime generosity, Maritimers step up year-after-year,” added McGrath.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Andrea Jerrett and Brianne Foley